Good dental health is important for everyone, but it’s especially imperative for children. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the most chronic disease in children is tooth decay. The condition is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. And even though it’s preventable, it’s still a problem for nearly 46 percent of children in the U.S. So, what can be done to promote good dental healthcare for kids, especially those that may not have access to the tools and treatment that are so vital to their success?
Dental Health History
In 1901, a dentist named Frederick McKay discovered that many of the patients had discolored teeth, but the teeth were otherwise healthy. Eventually, the source of the stains and cavity resistance was found to be because the mineral fluoride was naturally occurring at high levels in the town’s drinking water.
Years later, after running an experimental trial about adding safe levels of fluoride to drinking water, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research announced that the rate of tooth decay among children born after the fluoride’s introduction had dropped by more than 60 percent.
The Importance Of Early Dental Care
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2022 that the percentage of the U.S. population with community water systems that are receiving fluoridated water is a little more than 73 percent, that alone is not enough to promote good dental health.
Dental health is crucial for children because it directly impacts their overall well-being, affecting their ability to eat, speak clearly, smile confidently, and can even influence their social development.
According to Valley Creek Oral Care, “Oral health significantly impacts a child’s confidence and sense of self. Children who have healthy, well-maintained teeth are more prone to speak, smile, and interact with others without inhibition. On the other hand, kids with dental issues could feel embarrassed or self-conscious, which might impede their social relationships and self-esteem.”
Then there are the health issues to consider. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to cavities, gum disease, infection, and it can be linked to other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Untreated problems can cause significant pain and discomfort, which may impact a child’s daily activities and school performance.
Starting Early
Many dental professionals advocate for beginning a child’s dental healthcare as early as their first birthday, or whenever the first tooth appears. Some dentists even recommend cleaning a baby’s mouth with a clean, soft cloth before the first teeth even come in.
While children normally have what are known as baby teeth that may start to fall out as early as six-years-old, those teeth play an important role by serving as placeholders for the adult teeth as they come in. According to Dr. Tim Iafolla, a dental health expert at the National Institute of Health, “Baby teeth are used for chewing food, of course, but they also guide the growth of the jaw bones, and they make room for the permanent teeth when they come in.”
Teaching children at a young age how to properly brush and floss not only helps promote good oral hygiene that can prevent dental issues such as cavities, it guides them in developing a healthy habit that will serve them well through their early years and into adulthood. It’s also important to establish a relationship with a family dentist who can identify any issues early on before they become problematic.
Barriers To Pediatric Dental Care
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes that there are a number of factors that can keep children from receiving the proper care they need from a dental professional. Some of these factors may include a lack of insurance, a shortage of dental professionals in certain areas, parents not being able to take time off from work to take their child to the dentist, and other transportation issues.
Because of these factors, children from lower-income households are more likely to have poor oral health, and children of color, especially Blacks and Hispanics, are more likely to experience tooth decay and loss, and are less likely to be able to visit a dentist because of socioeconomic obstacles.
How You Can Help
In addition to advocating for regular dental check-ups, emphasizing the importance of daily oral hygiene practices, and limiting the intake of sugary food and drinks, the first line of defense for healthy teeth and gums in young people is to have access to a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) has Early Childhood Centers located across Northern Virginia that will gladly accept donations of oral hygiene products for children, especially toothbrushes, which need to be replaced often because kids tend to drop or misplace them. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Samara Weinstein, NVFS Community & Volunteer Engagement Specialist, at sweinstein@nvfs.org.
Your donation will go a long way in promoting a lifetime of healthy smiles and confidence.